Narasimha Swamiji
Narasimha Swamiji
Sri Narasimha Swamiji, was born on 21st August 1874 at Bhavani in Tamil Nadu. He was named Narasimha. He completed his schooling at Salem and then pursued Law at Madras. In 1900, he started law practice and then went on to become President of Salem Municipality and Member of Madras Legislature, where he gained fame and fortune.
A tragedy in 1921 in which he lost two children left him distraught. He gave up his practice and retired from political life. He then renounced life of a householder and travelled in search of spirituality and peace.
In 1925, Narasimha Iyer became a follower of Ramana and practiced meditation in a cave for 3 years. Here, he developed a sense of awareness within himself. Although he published a biography on Ramana Maharshi, Ramana said to him, 'I am not your Guru. Go westwards.'
Narasimha continued his journey in search of peace. He visited Hubli where he learnt Sanskrit and then to Pandapur where he spent eighteen months learning Bhajans. Then he went to Khedgaon to meet Narayana Maharaj, to Meherbad and then to Sakori in 1933 where he met Upasini Maharaj who had undergone rigorous training under Sai Baba.
Even though he stayed at the Upasini Ashram for 30 months, peace continued to elude Narasimha Swamiji, until on 29th August 1936, an old man advised him to visit Sai’s Samadhi at Shirdi. When Narasimha reached Sai Baba’s Samadhi on that day, he felt that from within his samadhi, Sai Baba spoke to him and kindled the light within. At last, he discovered his Sadguru.
In 1939, he returned to Madras and started All India Sai Samaj at his office at Mylapore, Madras. He devoted all his time in spreading Sai Baba\’s name throughout India. He authored several books on Sai Baba and for 20 years, he spread Baba\’s message. Narasimha Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi on 19th October 1956.